Bourbon Shelf Life

[mick5757]

I am new to this forum so if this question has been asked before then I apologize. But I would appreciate any help that can be offered.

That being said, I was given a bottle of Knob Creek as a present about 10 years ago. As one of my personaliy traits, I drank a little of it with the person who gave it to me and then put it in my cabinet for special occasions. I guess I have a warped since of special occasion because it is still in the cabinet half full. I know that wine will oxidize after opened and will turn or spoil. Does this happen with bourbon as well. It has been kept cool and out of sunlight. So my question is should I still drink it and stop being such a weeny about the special occasion condition. Or should I take a more "Life Is Short" approach and buy a new bottle? Please be kind with a newbe bourbon enthusiast.
thank you,
Mickey

[Birdo]

The folks at Heaven Hill told me their official position is bourbon should be drank within one year of opening it. The guy admitted that this is probably alot less time than necessary. Once you're down to less than half a bottle, you're best choice is to finish it. Oxygen in the bottle will degrade the bourbon; at least that's what the guys from Beam said.

There's a great documentary on Whiskey on Modern Marvels, check your local listings.

Drink your Knob Creek, then buy more. Knob Creek is my favorite, and it's reasonably priced so there is no sense in saving it. I find MNF to be a special enough occation to have a small pour.

[gauze]

as long as the cork isn't rotten and more air can't get in, I'd say close to forever. Sniff it should be obvious if it's off.